WANA (Nov 16) – Mohammad Eslami, Vice President and head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI), announced the inauguration of the country’s first plasma-based factory for decontaminating and processing dry fruits in Rafsanjan.

 

Speaking at the event, Eslami emphasized the AEOI’s commitment to leveraging nuclear technology for practical applications that benefit everyday life, particularly in agriculture and food security.

 

The facility uses cold plasma technology to enhance the quality and longevity of agricultural products such as pistachios—a key crop in Rafsanjan and a major export for Iran.

 

The innovative process is expected to boost the global competitiveness of Iranian pistachios by removing contaminants and preventing pests.

Operation of the first dry fruit decontamination and processing plant, November 16, 2024. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Eslami highlighted that the factory had been revitalized after being dormant, focusing on addressing local agricultural challenges. Depending on demand and investment, the facility’s capacity can potentially triple.

 

With the participation of the Minister of Agriculture and other officials, the project aims to showcase the role of advanced technologies in supporting industries like agriculture.

 

Eslami noted that the cost of using plasma technology is minimal, comprising only about 5% of the product’s price, making it an economically viable solution for farmers and exporters.